CU Nursing: A Pathway to Compassionate Care
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora offers a remarkable avenue for aspiring nurses through its Traditional Path program at the CU College of Nursing. This program, highlighted through the inspiring stories of recent alumna Taylor Neuhalfen and current nursing student Chidozirim Stanudeze, champions stamina, determination, and a profound desire to give back to those facing illness. While these two individuals hail from distinct backgrounds, their journeys exemplify the program’s unique blend of academic rigor and practical healthcare experience.
The Traditional Path program at CU Nursing caters to students who have already completed their first two years of college education elsewhere, whether at a traditional four-year university or a community college. This pathway, typically requiring two years to complete after pre-requisites, provides a comprehensive nursing education built upon a solid foundation of general coursework.
This degree path embraces the benefits of diverse college experiences. Students can initiate their academic journey at a community college or a traditional university, immersing themselves in core subjects while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of campus life. They then transition to the specialized healthcare environment of the Anschutz Medical Campus, focusing their energy on the specific skills and knowledge needed to become exceptional nurses. This hybrid approach offers the perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
While the Anschutz Medical Campus may lack the conventional trappings of "campus life," such as dormitories and sprawling green spaces, it compensates with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on healthcare experience. Students benefit from expert classroom instruction, clinical rotations at top-ranked hospitals, and immersive training utilizing high-tech patient simulators. These advanced resources provide a realistic and challenging learning environment, preparing students to confidently tackle the complexities of modern healthcare.
CU Nursing consistently earns recognition as the top nursing program in Colorado and ranks among the top 20 in the nation. This exceptional reputation is further solidified by its impressive 94.88% pass rate on the nursing licensing exam (NCLEX), a testament to the program’s rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty.
A Calling to Care for Children: Taylor Neuhalfen’s Journey
Taylor Neuhalfen’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated desire to care for children. A long-distance runner, Neuhalfen began her nursing school journey in Minnesota before returning to her native Colorado to continue her B.S. in Nursing at CU Nursing. Simultaneously, she took on the role of coaching her high school’s cross-country team, an experience that solidified her desire to work with young patients.
"I feel called to work with that population because I love working with their families and being a small light in such a dark situation," she explained. Her passion translated into action as she worked as a clinical assistant in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) during her studies. Now, she continues her work at Children’s Hospital Colorado in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Neuhalfen acknowledges the emotional challenges of working with critically ill children. "It’s difficult because they’re sick kids," she said. "While I can’t change the outcome of what’s happening to the child, I can provide them with the best care possible in the moment." She finds immense satisfaction in witnessing positive outcomes, adding, "Seeing the smiles of patients and family members when kids progress out of the intensive care unit to the floor makes the difficult times worth it." Her story illustrates the power of compassion and the profound impact nurses can have on the lives of young patients and their families.
A Propensity for "Sustained Adrenaline": Chidozirim Stanudeze’s Path
Chidozirim Stanudeze’s journey is marked by unwavering stamina, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. Her commitment to service is evident in her simultaneous pursuit of a nursing degree and her dedication to the U.S. Army.
"I haven’t slept since I turned 17," said Stanudeze, who by the age of 20 has already achieved remarkable milestones: graduating from high school (where she took concurrent college courses), enlisting in the U.S. Army, completing basic training, and working toward becoming an officer via ROTC. She is now in her final semester of the B.S. in nursing program.
As the oldest of four siblings, Stanudeze embraced responsibility from a young age. Her father emigrated from Nigeria through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program when she was seven years old. Growing up, she helped care for her siblings and also provided support for her grandfather during his battle with cancer. These experiences ignited a passion for medicine and science, leading her to pursue a career in nursing.
Stanudeze discovered CU’s program while taking concurrent classes at the Community College of Aurora. The program’s accessibility and focus on practical skills appealed to her ambitions. "I learned to advocate for myself," she said. "If I wanted it, I was going to make it happen." Her story exemplifies the power of determination and the importance of seizing opportunities to achieve one’s goals. She embodies the spirit of leadership and service, qualities that will undoubtedly make her an exceptional nurse and officer.
The stories of Taylor Neuhalfen and Chidozirim Stanudeze offer a glimpse into the transformative power of CU Nursing’s Traditional Path program. By fostering a supportive learning environment and providing access to cutting-edge resources, the program empowers students to develop the skills and compassion needed to excel in the demanding field of nursing. The combination of rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experience, and a strong sense of community prepares graduates to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
Prospective students are encouraged to explore CU Anschutz’s College of Nursing to discover more about the available programs and take a quiz to determine which path aligns with their individual goals and aspirations. The CU Nursing program stands as a beacon for those seeking to embark on a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare.
